Course 6: Vocabulary and Spelling Instruction

This course is part of the Online Professional Development Certificate Program

 Research-Based Reading Instructions and Interventions: Elementary Level

About this Course

This course is designed to provide an overview of learning related to word knowledge (vocabulary) and spelling.

Course goals:

As a result of taking this course, students will be able to -

1. Describe how words are learned
2. Identify and implement new pedagogical strategies related to vocabulary 
3. Identify and implement new pedagogical strategies related to spelling
4. Engage in a reflective analysis and response related to three pedagogical strategies

Get Started

Reading Assignments

• Chapter 16: Vocabulary

Temporary Spelling
Word Class: A Self-Selected Spelling Approach

Text:  10 Essential Instructional Elements for Students with Reading Difficulties: A Brain-Friendly Approach’ (Johnson, 2016). 


Video Mini-Lectures




1. Vocabulary – (3:45)

2. General principles for instruction – (3:31)

3. Temporary spelling - (3:58)

4. Spelling overview - (4:08)



Reflective Analysis and Response Assignment

Select any three of the eight strategies above to try in your classrooms. Implement each strategy for at least two weeks (you can do this simultaneously).  Then, conduct a reflective analysis using the below template.  Share your results on the FlipGrid discussion.  This discussion format allows you to share your ideas using short, recorded videos (90 seconds or less).  It is simple to use.  Go to the site below to record your ideas:      Use the password: ReadingAJ

Report and Analysis Form

Date(s) of implementation:
1. How did you use the strategy?
2. What seemed to work well?
3. What would you do differently?
4. Other observations and analysis:

Discussion Web Responding Guide

1. Interesting.  Find and describe some part of the entry that you like or find to be interesting or useful.

2. Question.  Find and describe some part of the entry about which you’d like more information or have questions.

3. Extension or application.  Identify and describe other ideas, applications, or extensions you might have related to the entry.

4. Other.